Heavy Rains and Severe Storms: June 21, 2011

Estimated Precipitation for the 24-hour period ending 7:00am June 22, 2011Courtesy: National Weather Service

A high precipitation, low pressure system caused intense rainfall during the evening commute Tuesday in St. Cloud. The localized rain event doused the west side of St. Cloud and Waite Park leaving the east side and Sauk Rapids with a light shower. At St. Cloud State University, 2.33 inches were recorded between 4 and 5pm (Robert Weisman, SCSU Meteorologist), while the official report from the St. Cloud Airport, measured only 0.35 inch between 4 and 7pm.

The estimated precipitation map from the National Weather Service shows the line between the east and west sides of St. Cloud and its suburbs.

The intensity and short time period of the rainfall, caused some low-lying streets in St. Cloud to flood very rapidly which stalled vehicles of some commuters and residents of the area and created difficult driving conditions throughout the effected area. Police diverted traffic around the worst flooded streets until the storm drains were able to catch up with the rainfall.

In addition to the heavy rains, numerous funnel clouds were reported over east central Minnesota, including a tornado touchdown from Blane to Coon Rapids in Anoka County.

Listed below are Local Storm Reports from the National Weather Service.